It is said, the points of the Shield
were established to provide the artist with
a reference point as to where to position
the charge or charges, in particular when the artist
was working solely from a blazon
(description) and not a drawing.

The
Honourable Ordinaries &
Their Diminutives

There are nine
Honourable ordinaries with six of those having diminutives
(smaller
forms). There are both Honourable Ordinaries and
Subordinates (discussed later).
Ordinaries are considered charges and other charges may also
be placed on
them. However, the diminutives, generally are not charged.

Under each of
the Images is the name of the Honourable Ordinary, what
portion of the
shield it generally occupies, and separate images of their
diminutives. It should be
noted that a certain flexibility is granted to the artist as
regards to the portion of the
shield it takes; depending on whether other charges are
present, and of course the
shape of the shield. Heraldry is not an exact Science, but
these guidelines should will
assist you in your understanding of Heraldry and its design
elements.

Honourable
Ordinary

Diminutive

The Chief along with all
Ordinaries can
come with lines of partition such as
engrailed, embattled, indented etc. These
lines of partition will be discussed and
displayed in a later chapter.

The Chief
1/3rd of

the Shield

The Fillet

not more than 1/4

of the Chief

The Bend
1/5th of the Shield,
1/3rd when charged

The
Bendlet
1/6th of the

Shield

The Garter
or
Gartier,
1/2th
of the Bend

The Cost
or

Cottice,
1/4
of the Bend

The Riband,
1/8th of

the
Bend

The Endorse is generally
seen in pairs only, eg: on
each side of the Pale.

The Pale
1/3rd of the Shield

The Pallet
1/2 of the Pale

The
Endorse
1/8th of the Pale

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- Armorial Gold Heraldry Services -

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